Human Anatomy and Physiology : Defining Anatomical Structural Terms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Defining Anatomical Structural Terms

Which term refers to the kneecap?

Possible Answers:

Patellar

Carpal

Cural

Lumbar

Correct answer:

Patellar

Explanation:

The kneecap area is known as the patellar region. The cural region is the lower leg (below the knee.) The carpal region is the wrist and the lumbar region is the lower back.

Example Question #41 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Rectus, transverse, oblique and orbicularis are terms related to naming which characteristic of muscle features?

Possible Answers:

Shape

Location

Direction of fascicles

Origin and insertion

Size

Correct answer:

Direction of fascicles

Explanation:

The correct answer is the direction of fascicles. Each term refers to a different direction of the fibers of a muscle or the muscle as a whole:

  • rectus = straight
  • transverse = across
  • oblique = diagonally
  • orbicularis = circular

For example, the rectus abdominis muscles run straight across the abdomen/midline and go through the belly-button. These straight fibers and muscles, when lean and well-toned, create the "six-pack."

The other answer choices are all involved in naming of muscles, but their groups do not contain the terms rectus, transverse, oblique and orbicularis.

  • size = vastus (biggest), maximus (large), minimus (small), longus (long), brevis (short)

The following are examples of how to use other characteristics to name muscles:

  • location = pectoralis (chest), gluteus (buttocks), brachii (arm), supra- (above), infra- (below), sub- (under/ beneath), lateralis (lateral)
  • shape = deltoid (triangular), rhomboid (like a rhombus), latissimus (wide), teres (round), trapezius (like a trapezoid)
  • origin and insertion =  sternocleidomastoideus (origin on the sternum and clavicle, insertion on the mastoid process), brachioradialis (origin on the brachium or arm, insertion on the radius)

Example Question #11 : Defining Anatomical Structural Terms

Which of the following is not an organ system in the human body?

Possible Answers:

Respiratory

Skeletal

Cardiovascular

Cutaneous

Reproductive

Correct answer:

Cutaneous

Explanation:

The correct answer is cutaneous.

The human body is made up of 4 major components/ structures: cells, tissues, organs, organ systems. The most basic structure is the cell, which can maintain life and reproduce. Tissues are organizations of cells that have similar functions (epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous). Organs are organizations of different kinds of tissues that are arranged to perform a function. A system is an organization of organs that work together to perform functions for the body.

There is no such thing as the cutaneous organ system. The other answer choices are all systems within the human body. There are 10 major systems in the body. In addition to the skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and reproductive systems the body also has a muscular, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, digestive, and urinary system.

Example Question #12 : Defining Anatomical Structural Terms

Acromial refers to what area of the human anatomy?

Possible Answers:

Elbow

Broad term for the space of the lower back

Shoulder

Bottom of the foot

Ear

Correct answer:

Shoulder

Explanation:

Acromial refers to the shoulders. The name is derived from the acromioclavicular joint between the acromion of the scapula and the clavicle in the shoulder.

Example Question #12 : Defining Anatomical Structural Terms

Select the correct pairing of terms.

Possible Answers:

Palmar; hallux

None of these

Plantar; hallux

Inguinal; buccal

Pollux; olecranon

Correct answer:

Plantar; hallux

Explanation:

Only plantar and hallux are correct which correspond to the bottom of the foot and the big toe respectively. The rest of terms are in widely different regions of the body. Palmar and hallux refers to the palms and the big toes. Inguinal and buccal refers to the groin and the area of the cheeks on the face. The pollux and olecranon refers to the thumb and the back of the elbow.

Example Question #13 : Defining Anatomical Structural Terms

Which of the following anatomical terms describes a hole through a bone?

Possible Answers:

Foramen

Sinus

Condyle

Tubercle

Fossa

Correct answer:

Foramen

Explanation:

By definition, a foramen is any hole through a bone through which muscles, nerves, and blood vessels can pass and connect body parts together. A tubercle is a rounded projection on a bone. A condyle is a rounded projection on the end of a bone. A fossa is a a depression in a bone, and is often a site of articulation. A sinus is a cavity within a bone or other tissue. 

Example Question #49 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Where is the cubital region?

Possible Answers:

The thighs

The armpits

The elbows

The kneecaps

Correct answer:

The elbows

Explanation:

The cubital region is the area around the elbows. The kneecaps are in know as the patellar region. The thighs are in the femoral region. The armpit are in the axillary region.

Example Question #47 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Where is the cervical section of the spine?

Possible Answers:

The lower back

The neck

The pelvis

The mid back

Correct answer:

The neck

Explanation:

The cervical region of the spine is the neck area. The thoracic spine is the mid back area, and the lumbar spine is the lower back area. 

Example Question #51 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Muscles that oppose the action of another muscle are known as what?

Possible Answers:

Synergists

Antagonists

Opposers

Prime movers

Agonists

Correct answer:

Antagonists

Explanation:

Muscles often occur in pairs called antagonistic pairs. An antagonistic pair consists of an antagonist and an agonist muscle. As one muscle contracts, the other relaxes. An example of an antagonistic pair is the biceps and triceps. To contract the biceps the biceps contracts and the triceps relaxes allowing for the lifting of the lower arm. 

Example Question #52 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

Which is not a type of epithelia found in the human body?

Possible Answers:

Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal

Pseudostratified columnar

Pseudostratified cuboidal

Stratified cuboidal

Correct answer:

Pseudostratified cuboidal

Explanation:

Simple cuboidal cells can be found on the surface of ovaries, simple columnar epithelium can be found lining many digestive tract organs, pseudostratified columnar are found in the trachea and aid with secretion and absorption, and stratified cuboidal protect ducts of various glands.

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